A 93 point wine for under $12, a wine & cheese class, a sommelier secret revealed, a new feature for online wine buyers, and upcoming wine classes.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Wine School Newsletter for October
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October Wine School Newsletter
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A Little Secret Was Just Revealed

white labeled wine bottle by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis (https://unsplash.com/@louishansel)‌

 A few observant folks recently discovered our secret, so it's time to come clean.

Our fully virtual Level One Sommelier certification program just went online, and the fall semester sold out immediately. 

The pricing is $150 per student for a full semester. A few of our students made the observation that the same program  is offered nationally for $500.  

It's not an error. Keith & Alana are on the NWS Board, so are in a unique position to offer a significant price reduction. The wine school is a community, and  we hope you and your friends can take advantage of this special opportunity in the winter semester. 

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Upcoming Classes & Events

In person classes at the Wine School of Philadelphia! The most fun you can have in the middle of a pandemic. A rare chance to join fellow wine lovers in a joyful, smart, and extremely safe environment. 

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Wine & Cheese Pairing

Join Keith & Co. for this amazing class on Saturday, October 17th.  This is part of our exclusive Cru Club series of  classes. All are welcome!

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The Great Wines of Argentina

Act fast, as we only have six seats remaining for this class on Thursday, October 29th. We go way past Malbec in this wine tasting class. 

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Discover Your Wine Style

This is one of our very best introductory classes. If you have discovered a love of wine, this is an essential class. Only five seats remain.

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Online Classes

We just published a dozen more online wine classes. They have become so popular, we have to expand our offerings!  We are keeping our pricing to just $11.99 per ticket. Love to see you online. 

Online Wine School
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Wine Reviews for PA Wine & Spirit Shops

These wines are all available in the local Pennsylvania Wine and Spirits stores. We only select the best of the best, and only if they are priced very well. Don't drink overpriced wine!
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Empire Estate 2017 Dry Riesling

Empire Estate 2017 Dry Riesling

Brilliant  that underscores why the Finger Lakes are a world-class region for Riesling. Orange zest and honeysuckle in a zipped up and intense style that slowly opens up into a steely beauty on the palate. 

Wine Rating | 93 Points (WSoP)
Pricing | 11.99 (PA Wine & Spirits)

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Sojourn Cellars 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Sojourn Cellars 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Ignore the price. This was intended as a $30+ bottling of luxury Sonoma Coast Pinot. Pomelo citrus, tomato leaf, and red cherry. A lovely finish of crushed roses and tangerine. Ethereal. 

Wine Rating | 91 Points (WSoP)
Pricing | 14.99 (PA Wine & Spirits)

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Catena 2017 Paraje Altamira Malbec 

Catena 2017 "Paraje Altamira" Malbec 

From the Paraje Altamira district in Mendoza, this is far from a typical Malbec. Stone and clay layer into bitter chocolate, creating a lushly complex attack. The palate and finish show restraint against the backdrop of massive tannins.

Wine Rating | 93 Points (WSoP)
Pricing | 14.99 (PA Wine & Spirits)

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Cafaggio Basilica San Martino Chianti Classico Riserva 2013

Cafaggio 2013 Basilica  San Martino

An extraordinary Chianti Classico Riserva. Powerful but restrained, in a classic Tuscan way. Fresh leather, cigar box, and rust on the nose. Elegant layers of red fruit offer a freshness over the lithe tannins. Ageworthy. 

Wine Rating | 94 Points (WSoP)
Pricing |19.99 (PA Wine & Spirits)
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Wine Reviews for Online Shops

We are introducing a new feature to our newsletter. Many of our readers are either living outside Philly or have moved to online ordering. This is a list of recommended wines that available for online purchase nearly everywhere in the US. This month we are featuring Portuguese wines! 
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Port Recommendations

Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2014 $$ For medium-term aging (10 years or less). Youthful and charismatic, this wine hits its stride in a commanding triumvirate of chocolate, strawberry, and spice.

Fonseca Vintage Port 2016 $$$$ Earthen blueberries with a violet and fresh mint layer. Rich, tannic, and a perfect balance of residual sugar to layered into a complex of mineral and spice. Age for 10-30 years.

Madeira Recommendations

Broadbent Rainwater Madeira $$ A distinctive Rainwater bottling that evokes the holidays everytime I drink it. Evocative of British figgy pudding: dried fruit, walnuts, nutmeg, and currants.

Rare Wine Co. New York Malmsey Madeira $$$$ A dessert wine of depth and complexity. Pecan toffee and milk chocolate over a smoked apple core that fills the nostrils with baking spices.  Retains a wonderful freshness throughout. 

Red Wine Recommendations

Niepoort Drink Me Nat’Cool 2019 $$ A biodynamic red from Bairrada. Crunchy red fruit with a wreath of flowers on the finish. A cutting edge natural wine made from the Baga grape.

Herdade Do Esporao Reserva Red 2016 $$ From Douro, this is a high-altitude port-blend centered on Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Wildflowers on the nose with a chewy attack and black fruit compote that manages to retain balance.

Quinta Dos Murcas Minas 2016 $$ Blend of Tempranillo and Trincadeira from Alentejo, this a spicy whirlwind of a bottling. Densely textured and swirling with allspice and coriander. Leaves a crater of blueberry where your brain used to be. 

Quinta do Infantado Tinto 2015 $$ Field blend of Touriga Franca,  Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional. A brilliant bottle of red wine from one of the best independent port producers. 

White Wine Recommendations

Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde 2019 $ From the Cavado region, a single vineyard blend of Arinto, Azal, Trajadura. Lighting-like zest with a quenchable character and white floral notes.

Quinta da Pellada Quinta de Saes Encruzado Reserva 2016 $$$ From Dao, a modern classic of Portuguese wine making. Sur lie bottling of the rare indigenous Encruzado grape. Powerful and concentrated with all the brine and wet stones of the Atlantic ocean.

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